Photographic apparatus



2 69 R. 4 4 mv BG m S 8 mnh o FIM d nw l 5 F V Nn 26 2 Jlwazm 2, M 3

a ,M 4 wv.. 5 n 5' N N I 'l 6 8 Mv. G B 4 l u OI M rr Sl O U I T 4 /j 8Mw 6 5 u DM. 4 l NP w O w l MAN 6 m 1 .ww ma m HMH l 4 TMF w Om SMI I mmo 4&5.. n PND nl.. nm mm MI l r l l 0 f i United States Patent O3,283,684 PHOTGGRAPHIC APPARATUS Edwin H. Land, Cambridge, Mass.,assignor to Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass., a corporation ofDelaware Continuation of application Ser. No. 322,485, Nov. 8, 1963,which is a division of application Ser. No. 116,641, May 19, 1961, whichis in turn a division of application Ser. No. 624,787, Nov. 28, 1956.This application Oct. 8, 1965, Ser. No. 494,118 13 Claims. (Cl. 95-13)This application is a continuation of application Serial No. 322,485filed November4 8, 1963, in turn, a division of application Serial No.116,641 filed May 19, 1961, and now Patent No. 3,115,024 dated November3, 1964, which application was, in turn, a division of applicationSerial No. 624,787 filed November 28, 1956 (now abandoned and replacedby application Serial No. 111,268 filed May 19, 1961). A number of formsof apparatus, usually cameras, of the .general type with which thepresent invention is concerned have been proposed and these usuallyinclude means for storing a photosensitive sheet and a second sheet,exposing the photosensitive sheet, superposing the exposedphotosensitive sheet with the second sheet and distributing a fluidprocessing composition between the superposed sheets. It is the usualpractice to provide the fluid composition in a rupturable containerassociated with one of the sheets and to move the container andsuperposed sheets between a pair of pressure-applying members forcausing the fluid contents of the container to be discharged therefromand spread in a layer between the sheets. In my copending United Statesapplication Serial No. 522,605, led July 18, 1955, (now abandoned andreplaced by application Serial No. 820,266, filed June 15, 1959), thereis disclosed a method of photography, together with photographicproducts useful therein, wherein a container carrying a fluidcomposition is withdrawn from association with the sheets, and its fluidcontents are discharged in a mass on one of the sheets as the containeris withdrawn, prior to movement of the sheets between a pair ofpressure-applying members for spreading the fluid in a layer between thesuperposed sheets. Containers of this type are generally elongated andeach is positioned transversely of the sheets so that its fluid contentsare discharged in an elongated mass transversely of the sheets as thecontainer is withdrawn in the direction of its elongation. As a rule,the container is associated with the sheets or, in any event, is loadedinto the camera and located in position for withdrawal therefrom at thesame time the sheets are loaded into the camera.

An object of the invention is to provide novel and improved photographicapparat-us in the form of a camera for exposing and treating with aliquid a succession of unconnected photosensitive image-recordingsheets.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the typedescribed designed to utilize individual unconnected photosensitive andsecond sheets and includes means for moving an exposed photosensitivesheet and a second sheet into superposition, applying a processingliquid to at least one of the sheets and advancing the sheets insuperposition from the apparatus.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in partappear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing theconstruction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which areexemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of theapplication of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller lunderstanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic elevational View, partially in section, ofone form of camera embodying the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. l.

The apparatus of the invention is adapted to produce photographic printsby exposing a photosensitive sheet and thereafter treating the exposedphotosensitive sheet with a fluid processing reagent in conjunction witha second sheet. The expression second sheet as used herein is intendedto mean a second sheet which may merely cooperate with thephotosensitive sheet to aid in the spreading of the processing fluid onthe photosensitive sheet or, in a preferred form, provides a support fora positive print formed by diffusion transfer reversal. Thephotosensitive sheet may comprise a support and a layer of any of thelight-sensitive materials known to the art and, in a preferred form,comprises a silver halide emulsion. The fluid processing composition isselected in accordance with the particular light-sensitive materialwhich is employed and the type of processing intended and, in apreferred form wherein the photosensitive material is a silver halideemulsion and it is intended that a print be produced by silver halidediffusion transfer reversal on the second sheet, includes a silverhalide developer and a silver halide solvent. The developer reducesexposed silver halide t0 silver and the solvent reacts with -unreducedsilver halide to form a soluble silver complex which is reduced in thepresence of a silver precipitating environment to form a positive print,preferably on the second sheet. Further examples of processes of thistype, together with materials useful therein, are described in detail inPatent No. 2,- 543,181, issued February 27, 1951 in the name of Edwin H.Land.

The apparatus of the invention is shown, for purposes of illustration inthe form of a camera, a construction for which it is particularlysuited, arranged for exposing a frame of a photosensitive sheet andprocessing the exposed frame by superposing it with a second sheet andspreading a fluid composition in a layer between the sheets. Theapparatus includes a housing providing a first chamber wherein a frameof the photosensitive sheet is positioned for exposure, a second chamberwherein the second sheet is positioned during exposure of thephotosensitive sheet, and at least a third chamber which is isolated ina lighttight fashion from at least the first chamber. Means, in the formof a pair of pressure-applying members, are provided at one side of thisthird chamber for superposing the sheets and spreading a fluidcomposition therebetween as the sheets are withdrawn from the thirdchamber between the pressure-applying members.

The third chamber is so constructed and arranged that portions of thephotosensitive and second sheets rnay be located therein with afluid-receiving space between the sheets. Also associated with the thirdChamb r are means whereby an elongated container, filled 'th a fluidprocessing composition, may be introduced into the camera into thefluid-receiving space between the sheets and then withdrawn in thedirection of its elongation transversely of the sheets While thecontainer is progressively compressed to effect the discharge of itsfluid contents into the fluid-receiving space. The third chamber, beingisolated from the first chamber, permits the introduction of a containerinto a fluid-receiving space between the sheets without exposing theexposure frame of the photosensitive sheet located in the first chamber.The construction of the third chamber is such that it may be sealedagainst the admission of light following withdrawal of the container,permitting the photosensitive and second sheets to be moved through 4thecontainer between the pressure-applying-members in a. ilighttightenvironment.

' Only a portionv of the photosensitive sheet located adjacent theexposure frame4 is positioned within the third chamber duringintroduction and wit'hdrawal of a container and is subjected to exposureto light which may enter the chamber. The third chamber may also beisolated 'from rthe second chamber as well, although, in apreferredvform, this in unnecessary since the second sheet is notsensitive to light and the second chamber for storing the second sheetis light-sealed from the first chamber. Also, it is possible toeliminate t-he second chamber entirely and store the second sheet inwhat is defined as the third chamber.

The camera embodying the present invention is designed for use withphotosensitive and second sheets in cut form, that is, as individualsheets with each photosensitive sheet including a single exposure frameand with the sheets separatev from one another. The camera is of theso-called box type and is intended for use with photographic sheetmaterials having light-transmitting supports or backings or opaquebackings. The present invention-is also adapted to incorporation intothe structure of film magazines or yholders of the cut film type adaptedto be associated with another means for making an exposure or may tbeincorporated into apparatus such as an X-ray cassette wherein thephotosensitive material is exposed to penetrative radiation.

Reference is now made to FIGS. l and 2 of the drawings wherein there isshown apparatus embodying lthe invention in the form of a camera of thetype wherein an exposed photosensitive sheet is superposed with a secondsheet and a fluid processing composition is spread-between the sheets asthey are withdrawn from the camera between a pair of pressure-applyingmembers. The camera generally includes means for storing a plurality ofphotosensitive sheets and second sheets and means for advancing aphotosensitive and second sheet following exposure of the former intosuperposition with one another with a lighttight chamber which isisolated from the exposure chamber by light-sealing means, and withinwhich a fluid container may be positioned :between the sheets. Thiscamera, designated 100, includes a housing cornprising an upper wall102, side walls 104, rear wall 106 and lower wall 108. At least thelower wall is inclined at an angle with respect tothe rear wall and inthis case is inclined upward, while the side walls rnay converge towardone another. An exposure means, such as a conventional lens and shutterassemblage 110, is mounted on the forward portions of the upper, lowerand side walls. yRear wall 106 is located with its rear surfacesubstantially in the focal surface of the exposure means and is providedwith an exposure aperture 107 through which light from fthe exposuremeans is transmitted to a photosensitive sheet positioned for exposureagainst the rear surface of the rear wall. A pair of pressure-applyingmembers 112 and 114 are provided mounted between side walls 104 landform a pressure-generating gap 116 located substantially at the line atwhich rear wall 106 and Ilower wall 108 would intersect if extended.

l Means are provided for closing the rear of the camera housing, storinga plurality of photosensitive sheets in stacked relation and locatingthe foremost (end) photosensitive sheet of a stack thereof in positionfor exposure against the rear surface of wall 106. This means comprisesa box-shaped magazine 118 adapted to be secured to the rear of thecamera housing. The magazine contains a plurality of photosensitivesheets, designated 120, positioned in stacked relation within magazine118 and urged forward by a pressure plate 122 and spring 123 mounted onrear wall 124 of the magazine. The magazine includes an upper end wall126 having a raised boss 127 at which it is secured by means such as adetent spring attached to upper wall 102 of the camera housing and lalower wall 128 `having a boss or tongue 129 adapted to rbe locked in amatching recess 131 in the upper portion of pressure-applying member112. Suitable means are provided for forming a lighttight seal 'betweenthe walls of magazine 118 and the upper and side walls of the camerahousing and pressure-applying member 112..

Means are provided for enclosing the stack of second sheets 140 and, inthe form shown, comprise a similar 'box-shaped magazine 132 secured tothe lower portion of the camera housing to provide, in conjunction withlower wall 108, a chamber within which the second sheets are stored andpositioned during exposure of the photosensitive sheet. Magazine 132includes a rear wall 133 and two end walls 134 and 136. The magazine issecured to the camera housing and rear end wall 134 by a boss or tongue135 which is seated in a matching recess 138 in pressure-applying member114 and at its forward end by a detent spring 139 attached to theforward portion of the camera housing. Suitable lightsealing means areprovided for preventing light from entering the camera between the Wallsof magazine 132 and the side and lower walls of the housing andpressureapplying member 114. A pressure plate 142 and spring 143 areprovided secured to rear wall 133 of the magazine for engaging andurging the rear end portions of second sheets upward and rearward andserve a function to be described more fully hereinafter.

As a means for simultaneously advancing the foremost photosensitivesheet 120, located adjacent rear wall 106, and the foremost (end) secondsheet 140, located adjacent lower wall 108, into superposition with oneanother and through gap 116 between pressure-applying members 112 and114, there is provide a pair of rolls 144 and 146 mounted with the axesparallel and with their surfaces in engagement with one another andrespectively tangent to the plane of the rear surface of rear wall 106and the lower surface of lower wall 108. By virtue of this arrangement,the lower portion of the foremost photosensitive sheet 120 is pressedinto frictional engagement with roll 114 by spring 123, while the rearportion of the foremost second sheet 140 is pressed into frictionalengagement with roll 146 by spring 143. Rolls 144 and 146 are providedwith friction-generating surfaces, for example of rubber, so that, whenthey are pivoted, respectively, in counterclockwise and clockwisedirections, the foremost photosensitive and second sheets are movedsubstantially in their planes into contact with one another insuperposition with. one another through gap 116 betweenpressure-applying members 112 and 114. The `adjacent surfaces ofpressure-applying members 112 which define gap 116 are preferablycylindrical and are tangent to the planes of the foremost photosensitiveand second sheets whereby the sheets are readily guided between thepressure-applying members through the gap. Rolls 144 and 146, being infrictional engagement with one another, may be both rotated at the samespeed through the same angle by rotation of one of the rolls, and forthis purpose suitable manually operable crank means (not shown) areprovided exterior of the camera connected to one of the rolls forrotating rolls 144 and 146 through an angle sufficient to advance aphotosensitive sheet 120 and a second sheet 140 from their respectivemagazines through gap 116 a sufficient distance to provide a leader bywhich the two sheets may be grasped for drawing them through the gapfrom the camera.

The foremost photosensitive and second sheets are disposed in planeslocated at right angles with respect to one another andare moved in saidplanes into superposition with one another so that they define afluid-receiving space closely `adjacent a line of contact within whichthe fiuid contents of a container of the type described are intended tobe discharged. According to the invention, the portions of the sheetsdefining the fluid-receiving space are positioned within a processingchamber which is light-sealed from another chamber wherein thephotosensitive sheets are exposed so that the exposure frame of thephotosensitive sheet is not exposed when the processing chamber is opento permit the introduction and withdrawal of a iluid container. In theform shown, exposure chamber 148 is separated from a processing chamber,designated 150, by a wall 152 extending between the lower end of rearwall 106 `and the rear end of lower wall 108. Rolls 144 and 146 arelocated adjacent wall 152 between the latter and gap 116.

In the operation of the camera following exposure of a photosensitivesheet, rolls 144 and 146 are rotated through equal predetermined angleswhereby portions of the photosensitive and second sheets are advancedthrough chamber 150 into superposition with one another within gap 116and through the gap to the outside of the camera where they provide aleader for grasping and drawing the remainder of the sheets through thegap from the camera. As the photosensitive sheet is advanced downward byroll 144, a portion of the exposure frame is moved from across yaperture107 beneath roll 144 into processing chamber 150. To prevent exposure ofthis portion of the exposure frame during introduction of a containerinto the processing chamber, there is provided a light-shielding element154 located between the rolls and passage 116 and having a flexiblelight-shielding member 156 for engaging the photosensitive sheet in theregion of end wall 128 of magazine 118 whereby light is prevented fromstriking the portion of the photosensitive sheet extending betweenmember 156 4and roll 144. Light-shielding member 156 may comprise, asshown for example, a resilient metal plate or spring to which is securedya material such as a pile fabric, flocking, or the like adapted toengage the photosensitive sheet in a lighttight manner withoutscratching the sheet. In this regard, it might be noted that contactbetween the exposure frame of the photosensitive sheet and roll 144 maybe prevented by constructing the 1'oll so that ity only engages themargins of the photosensitive sheet `and not the intermediate portionsthereof.

In Ian alternative embodiment, element 154 and member 156'may beeliminated with rolls 144 and 146 being located closer to thepressure-applying members. In this embodiment, the container would beintroduced into chamber 150 before the photosensitive and second sheetshave been moved into superposition.. The construction of the means forcompressing the container and lightsealing the opening through which itis moved is shown in FIG. 2 and is adapted to prevent light fromentering the chamber during yand after withdrawal of the container. Thesheets would then be moved into the processing chamber with thecontainer already located in position and then the container would bewithdrawn and its fluid contents spread between the sheets.

The construction of means for permitting containers of the typedescribed to be introduced into and withdrawn from chamber 150, themeans for compressing the containers as they are withdrawn, the meansfor sealing the opening or openings through which the containers areintroduced into and withdrawn, the openings and the containersthemselves may be substantially as shown in FIG. 2. The photosensitiveand second sheets 120 and 140 are, of course, opaque to actinic light,and gap 116, between pressure-applying members 112 and 114, is of apredetermined width greater than the combined thickness of the twosheets and controls the thickness of the layer of processing fluidspread therebetween.

The uid processing composition to be spread between the sheets isprovided in an elongated tubular container, designated 50, of the typedescribed in detail in my aforementioned copending application SerialNo. 820,266. Container 50 may be cylindrical, as shown, or oblate incross section, and is formed of sheet material which is sufficientlyrigid to resist deformation due to hydraulic pressure in its uidcontents, yet is flexible enough so that the container can be compressedor flattened by movement between a pair of pressure-applying members.The container is substantially longer than the transverse dimension ofthe sheets to be processed and includes a liquid-carrying cavitysubstantially equal in length to the width of the exposure frame. Bothends of the fluid-filled container are sealed closed with at least oneof the ends being sealed so that it will open, for example, in responseto hydraulic pressure generated in the fluid contents of the container.In the form shown in FIG. 2, the leading end of the container,designated 52, is sealed by compressing the wall of the container andsecuring or bonding the inner faces thereof to one another. A plug 54having recessed anges 64 is provided in the opposite or trailing end ofthe container for closing said end.

Container 50 is adapted to be introduced Abetween the portions of sheets120 and 140 located within third chamber 150 in a position transverselyof the sheets. For this purpose the end walls of chamber 150, eg., sidewalls 104, are provided with openings, designated 56 and 58, locatedopposite one another in the end of the chamber. Opening 56 is shaped toconform substantially to the shape of the container and plug so that thecontainer may be introduced into chamber 150 therethrough. Opening 158.at the opposite end of chamber 150 is in the form of a narrow slothaving dimensions just sufficient to admit the container in a flattenedcondition whereby the sides of the opening will engage the container andfunction as pressureapplying members for progressively compressing thecontainer as it is withdrawn, -in the direction of its leading end,through opening 58. The container is adapted to be introduced intochamber 150 between the sheets until the container is located, as shown,with the leading end portion extending through opening 58 exteriorly ofthe camera, where it provides a leader by which the container may begrasped for withdrawing the container through the opening. A recess 60is provided in the wall surrounding opening 56 ltogether with aprojecting lip 62 immediately surrounding the opening. Flange 64 of plug54 is so formed as to extend around and engage lip 62 when the containeris in the position shown, whereby a lighttight seal is formed betweenthe plug and the end wall of chamber 150, and the plug is retained incovering relation to opening 56 when the container is withdrawn from thecham-ber through opening 58.

As the container is withdrawn from, between the portions of sheets 120and 140 located within chamber 150, its trailing end is withdrawn fromengagement with plug 54, thereby providing an open mouth through whichthe fluid contents of the container are discharged in the form of anelongated mass across the sheets as portions of the container succeedingfrom the leading end are compressed by the walls of opening 58.Generally the fluid should be quite viscous so that it can be readilycontrolled after being discharged, -i.e., so that it will not flowfreely of its own accord from the elongated mass which it rst assumeswhen it is discharged from the container. It has been found that a fluidshould have a viscosity ranging between and 200,000 centipoises at atemperature of 20 C. if the uid is to be spread readily from theelongated mass between the sheets.

Light-sealing means, for example, in the form of a sliding member 66mounted on one of side walls 104 is provided for closing opening 58following withdrawal of a container therefrom. Opening 56, as previouslynoted, is closed by plug 54 so that the only opening into chamber 150from the exterior of the camera is gap 116 through which sheets and 140project and are adapted to be withdrawn. In an alternative form of thecamera, suitable pressure-applying means may be provided in associationwith opening 58 for compressing the wall of the container as it iswithdrawn from chamber and this pressure-applying means may also act asa light-sealing element for closing the opening after the container hasbeen withdrawn.

As the sheets are withdrawn through gap 116 from chamber 150, hydraulicpressure is generated within the fluid between the sheets, causing thefluid to be spread in a thin layer therebetween. Pressure-applyingmembers 112 and 114, of course, engage the surface of the sheets Veryyclosely so that substantially no light can enter cham.- ber 150 andthereby expose other portions of the photosensitive sheet as they aredrawn through the chamber. The layer of processing uid, being quiteviscous, causes the two sheets to remain adhered to one another as theyare drawn from the camera; and, since the sheets are opaque, preventsexposure of the frame of the photosensitive sheet. To insure that lightdoes not enter between the superposed sheets, a material, such as alight-opaque or light-absorbing pigment, may be provided in theprocessing fluid. At the end of the predetermined processing period, thephotosensitive and second sheets may be stripped apart.

Other forms of container may be employed including containers sealed atboth ends in the same manner, that is, by compressing the walls togetherand either adhering them in this position or holding them together bysuitable retaining means. To adapt it to use with this type ofcontainer, the camera would include a slot in one end of the processingchamber through which the container is withdrawn, this slot beingsubstantially the same as the above described opening 58 for compressingthe container as it is moved through the slot; and a suitable closure,similar to closure member 66, would be provided for closing the slot. Anopening would be provided in the opposite end of the processing chamberwhereby the container may be introduced into the chamber between thesheets together with means such as a pivotable cap for closing theopening against lthe admission of light into the processing chamber. Thestructure of each of the containers and the camera shown is such thatthe container is introduced into the third chamber through an opening inone end and is Withdrawn in the same direction through an opening in theopposite end of the chamber. However, the third chamber may be providedwith a single opening, through which the container is both introducedand withdrawn, together with means for applying compressive pressure tothe container as it is withdrawn through the opening and for closing theopening against the admission of actinic light after the container hasbeen withdrawn.

Other forms of containers and methods of introducing a selected one ofseveral containers between the sheets are possible and may be performedin the present invention. For example, the fluid reagents may beprovided in containers which are adapted to be moved with the sheetsbetween a pair of pressure-applying members for causing their fluidcontents to be discharged between the sheets. Containers of this typemay be introduced into the camera from the outside in a number ofdifferent ways or a plurality of different containers may be providedinitially within the camera, which includes a device for introducingselected containers, one at a time, between the sheets. Thepressure-applying members, instead of being fixed, may be urged towardone another by springs so that they will separate slightly for the addedthickness of the container located between each pair of sheets.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention herein involved, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not ina limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. Photographic apparatus for exposing and treating with a liquid asuccession of unconnected photosensitive image-recording sheetscomprising, in combination:

.a housing for enlpsing the components of said apparatus;

hexposure means mounted on said housing for photoexposing saidimage-recording sheets within said housing;

means within said housing for holding a plurality of saidimage-recording sheets in a first stack with an end sheet of said firststack located in position for exposure;

means within said housing for holding an equal number of second sheetsin a second stack disposed apart from said first stack with end portionsof said stacks located adjacent one another;

advancement means including a first member for frictionally engagingsaid end image-recording sheet, a second member for frictionallyengaging an end second sheet of said second stack and means for movingsaid first and second members in engagement with said end sheets to movesaid end sheets edge foremost simultaneously and at substantially thesame speed from said stacks;

a pair of juxtaposed pressure members for applying compressive pressureto said sheets during movement thereof;

guide means for guiding said sheets during movement thereof from saidstacks along convergent paths into superposed relation and insuperposition between said pressure members; and

means adjacent said pressure members between the latter and said stacksfor applying a liquid to the facing surface of at least one of saidsheets.

2. The photographic apparatus of claim 1 in which the last-mentionedmeans include means for holding a container filled with said liquid.

3. The photographic apparatus 0f claim 1 in which the last-mentionedmeans include means defining a chamber closed off from other sections ofsaid housing containing said stacks and having openings for admittingsaid end sheets, one at a time, from said stacks into said chamber.

4. The photographic apparatus of claim 3 in which said last-mentionedmeans include means for holding a quantity of said liquid sufcient toeffect the treatment of said image-recording sheets when distributed inContact therewith.

5. The photographic apparatus of claim 1 in which the last-mentionedmeans include means for applying said liquid to the facing surfaces ofboth of said end sheets.

6. The photographic apparatus of claim 1 in which said first and secondmembers comprise rolls mounted for rotation in engagement with said endsheets and said means for holding said stacks include means for urgingsaid end sheets against said rolls.

7. The photographic apparatus of claim 1 in which said housing includesmeans dening at least three chambers including an exposure chamber inwhich said imagerecording sheets are positioned for exposure, a secondchamber separated from said exposure chamber for enclosing said secondsheets and a third chamber separated from said exposure and secondchambers enclosing said means for applying said liquid to said onesheet.

8. The photographic apparatus of claim 1 in which said means for holdingsaid stacks position said end sheets substantially equidistant from saidpressure members. 9. Photographic apparatus for exposing and treatingwith a liquid a succession of unconnected photosensitive image-recordingsheets comprising, in combination:

a housing for enclosing the components of said apparatus;

exposure means mounted on said housing for photoexposing saidimage-recording sheet within said housing;

means within said housing for holding a plurality of saidimage-recording sheets in a first stack with an end sheet of said firststack located in position for exposure;

means within saidhousing for holding a plurality of second sheets in asecond stack disposed apart from said first stack with end portions ofsaid stacks located adjacent one another;

a pair of juxtaposed pressure members for applying compressive pressureto said sheets during movement thereof between said members;

advancement means including a first member for frictionally engagingsaid end image-recording sheet, a second member for frictionallyengaging an end second sheet of said second `stack and means for movingsaid first and second members in engagement with said end sheets to movesaid end sheets edge foremost toward said pressure members intosuperposition with one another between said members with the leadingedges of said sheets predeterminedly oriented;

guide means for guiding said sheets during movement thereof from saidstacks along convergent paths into sheets, one at a time, from saidstacks into said chamber, and means for holding a quantity of saidliquid sufiicient to eiTect the treatment of at least one of saidimagerecording sheets when distributed in contact therewith.

11. The photographic apparatus of claim 9 in which said rst and secondmembers comprise rolls mounted for rotation in engagement with said endsheets and said means for holding said stacks include means for urgingsaid end sheets against said rolls.

12. The photographic apparatus of claim 9 in which said housing includesmeans defining at least three chambers including an exposure chamber inwhich said imagerecording sheets are positioned for exposure, a secondchamber separated from said exposure chamber for enclosing said secondsheets and a third chamber separated from `said exposure and secondchambers enclosing said means for applying said liquid to said onesheet.

13. The photographic apparatus of claim 9 in which said means forholding said stacks position the leading edges of said end sheetsubstantially equidistant from said pressure members.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,930,301 3/1960Land 95-13 JOHN M. HORAN, Primary Examiner.

1. PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS FOR EXPOSING AND TREATING WITH A LIQUID ASUCCESSION OF UNCONNECTED PHOTOSENSITIVE IMAGE-RECORDING SHEETSCOMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: A HOUSING FOR ENCLOSING THE COMPONENTS OFSAID APPARATUS; EXPOSURE MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID HOUSING FOR PHOTOEXPOSINGSAID IMAGE-RECORDING SHEETS WITHIN SAID HOUSING; MEANS WITHIN SAIDHOUSING FOR HOLDING A PLURALITY OF SAID IMAGE-RECORDING SHEETS IN AFIRST STACK WITH AN END SHEET OF SAID FIRST STACK LOCATED IN POSITIONFOR EXPOSURE; MEANS WITHIN SAID HOUSING FOR HOLDING AN EQUAL NUMBER OFSAID SHEETS IN A SECOND STACK DISPOSED APART FROM SAID FIRST STACK WITHEND PORTIONS OF SAID STACKS LOCATED ADJACENT ONE ANOTHER; ADVANCEMENTMEANS INCLUDING A FIRST MEMBER FOR FIRCTIONALLY ENGAGING SAID ENDIMAGE-RECORDING SHEET, A SECOND MEMBER FOR FRICTIONALLY ENGAGING AN ENDSECOND SHEET OF SAID SECOND STACK AND MEANS FOR MOVING SAID FIRST ANDSECOND MEMBERS IN ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID ENDS SHEETS TO MOVE SAID ENDSHEETS EDGE FOREMOST SIMULTANEOUSLY AND AT SUBSTANTIALY THE SAME SPEEDFROM SAID STACKS; A PAIR OF JUXTAPOSED PRESSURE MEMBERS FOR APPLYINGCOMPRESSIVE PRESSURE TO SAID SHEETS DURING MOVEMENT THEREOF; GUIDE MEANSFOR GUIDING SAID SHEETS DURING MOVEMENT THEREOF FROM SAID STACKS LONGCONVERGENT PATHS INTO SUPERPOSED RELATION AND IN SUPERPOSITION BETWEENAND PRESSURE MEMBERS; AND MEANS ADJACENT SAID PRESSURE MEMBERS BETWEENTHE LATTER AND SAID STACKS FOR APPLYING A LIQUID TO THE FACING SURFACEOF AT LEAST ONE OF SAID SHEETS.